Prof Gul Rahim Khan Wins ONS Ashoka Prize 2025 for Kashmir Coin Research
Gul Rahim Khan has received the prestigious Oriental Numismatic Society (ONS) Ashoka Prize 2025 in London for the best research paper published in the Journal of the Oriental Numismatic Society (JONS) during the year. The international award recognises his paper, “Attribution of Coins to the Queens of the Utpala Dynasty of Medieval Kashmir (JONS 260).” The honour highlights his significant contribution to the study of ancient coinage and the history of medieval Kashmir. It also reflects Pakistan’s growing recognition in global archaeological research.
Research Highlights Role of Medieval Kashmir Queens
Speaking about the award, Prof. Gul Rahim Khan said ancient coins provide reliable historical evidence where written records often remain silent. He explained that coins are not simply old pieces of metal but valuable historical documents that reveal political, economic, and social realities of past civilizations.
Furthermore, he said attributing these coins to the queens of the Utpala Dynasty offers a fresh understanding of women’s leadership in medieval Kashmir. According to him, the research challenges traditional historical narratives by highlighting the political authority and governance of female rulers. Therefore, the study opens new opportunities for historians to reassess the region’s history through archaeological evidence.
Decades of Contribution to Archaeology
Prof. Gul Rahim Khan has devoted more than three decades to archaeology, higher education, and academic research. During his career, he served as a senior professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar. He also completed advanced research on ancient coinage through collaborations with the British Museum and projects supported by the Smithsonian Institution.
In addition, his research has helped scholars better understand ancient trade networks and monetary systems across Gandhara and neighbouring regions. His excavations at the historic Hayatabad site in Peshawar uncovered early urban industrial complexes and strengthened the city’s archaeological importance. He urged Pakistan to invest in training young researchers and adopting modern scientific methods to preserve its rich cultural heritage. The Ashoka Prize recognises his lifelong commitment to archaeology and numismatics while bringing international attention to Pakistan’s academic excellence.
